Every year I enjoy the opportunity of taking College of Saint
Benedict and Saint John’s University students dog sledding in Ely, Minn., with Paul
Schurke at Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge. Today, I received an e-mail from a former musher participant asking me
“if I was getting ready for the dog sledding retreat”? She went on to tell me how much that retreat impacted
her life. I can’t take credit for the effect
of the retreat; my contribution is gathering students, organizing retreat
details, and then getting out of the way to let God work. The significant impact of this retreat comes
from being outside, immersed in the pristine beauty of the Boundary Waters and
sledding with a team of trustworthy dogs who become a major part of the
adventure. Add to that the integrating
effect of participation in the monastic rhythm of prayer, silence, reflection,
discernment and building community.
A typical day begins early (7 a.m.) so as not to miss the
beauty of the sunrise and the crisp morning air. What could be more welcoming
than the dogs’ greeting, howling with joy to see the students? The morning chore of feeding the dogs and
being the "pooper scoopers," grounds the students in the essentials of life and
duty. To get them out of bed in minus
35 degree weather is truly a miracle! Over a hearty breakfast that follows,
they’re alive with stories of affectionate interaction with the dogs and with
the beauty of early morning despite frozen eyelashes and bitter cold! I often
sense this is a form of lectio (the Benedictine practice of prayerful reading) --truly
a mystery and gift.
Trish
Dick, OSB
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